University establishes Alexander and Bridget Jones Memorial Scholarship with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

More Information

Liz Banks-Anderson +61 3 8344 4362 0481 013 333

The University of Melbourne and the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank have established a new scholarship in memory of Alexander and Bridget Jones, who tragically lost their lives after the Swanston Street wall collapse last year.

The Alexander and Bridget Jones Memorial Scholarship will help students from rural and regional areas study at the University of Melbourne. The scholarships form part of the University’s commitment to improving the participation of students and staff from educationally, financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Alexander and Bridget Jones’s parents Ian and Sue wished the five scholarship recipients success in their studies.

“We congratulate the recipients of the Alexander and Bridget Jones Memorial Scholarship and wish them success in their chosen field of study,” they said.

“Alexander and Bridget loved their time at the University of Melbourne and we are proud that the University and the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank have established these scholarships in their honour.”

University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis said the scholarship honoured the contribution the two students made to the University and ensured their legacy continued.

“Bridget and Alexander embodied the joy for learning and education that forms the pillar of this institution,” he said.

“While this was a very distressing and tragic event, these scholarships provide some way toward providing a positive outcome and help ensure that learning is accessible to all, regardless of background.”

The scholarship, funded by the University and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, will provide $13 500 overall to each recipient for the duration of their undergraduate program. The recipients will also receive up to $2500 for an exchange or study abroad program via a Melbourne Global Scholars Award or Grant.

“We believe in strengthening communities and there’s no better way than supporting young people to pursue their dreams,” Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chairman Robert Johanson said.

“These scholarships can give students the financial help they need to take the first step on their pathway to higher learning, and maybe one day they will be able to bring these skills back to their local community.” Equity and diversity at the University is widespread and entrenched within learning and teaching, student support programs, research and community engagement activities.